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Crimes and Misdemeanors

This article is part from The 10 best Woody Allen films

Table of contents

 

10 curiosities and facts

  1. The film explores themes of morality and conscience

    "Crimes and Misdemeanors" is a darkly comic film that explores the themes of morality and conscience. It tells two parallel stories: one about a successful ophthalmologist who has his mistress murdered and one about a struggling documentary filmmaker who is trying to make a film about a pompous television producer.

  2. The film features a star-studded cast

    The film features a star-studded cast including Martin Landau, Angelica Huston Mia Farrow, Alan Alda, Sam Waterston, and Woody Allen himself. Landau received an Academy Award nomination for his performance.

  3. The title is taken from a legal term

    The title "Crimes and Misdemeanors" is taken from a legal term that refers to two types of criminal offenses: more serious crimes (crimes) and less serious offenses (misdemeanors). The title reflects the film's exploration of both serious and less serious moral transgressions.

  4. The film was shot in New York City

    Like many of Allen's films, "Crimes and Misdemeanors" was shot on location in New York City. The city has always been an important part of Allen's filmmaking, and he often incorporates its iconic landmarks and neighborhoods into his films.

  5. The film features a memorable speech by Woody Allen

    Woody Allen's character in the film gives a memorable speech in which he reflects on the meaning of life and the existence of God. The speech has been widely discussed and analyzed by film critics and philosophers.

  6. The film's ending is open to interpretation

    The film's ending, in which the two parallel stories converge is open to interpretation. Some viewers interpret it as a bleak commentary on the amorality of the world, while others see it as a hopeful reflection on the possibility of redemption.

  7. The film was a critical success

    "Crimes and Misdemeanors" was a critical success, with many critics hailing it as one of Allen's best films. It was also a box office success, grossing over $18 million at the box office.

  8. The film was inspired by Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"

    "Crimes and Misdemeanors" was inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment, " which also explores the themes of morality and conscience. Allen has cited Dostoevsky as one of his major literary influences.

  9. The film's score features music by Mozart and Mahler

    The film's score features music by classical composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Gustav Mahler. Allen has always been a big fan of classical music and often incorporates it into his films.

  10. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards

    "Crimes and Misdemeanors" was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Allen. It did not win any awards but it was widely regarded as one of the best films of 1989.

About the movie

"Crimes and Misdemeanors" is a darkly comedic drama that explores themes of morality and guilt. The film tells two parallel stories: one about a successful ophthalmologist (Martin Landau) who hires a hitman to kill his mistress when she threatens to expose their affair and another about a struggling documentary filmmaker (Allen) who becomes involved with a woman (Mia Farrow) who is already in a committed relationship. The film's exploration of the nature of evil and the possibility of redemption make it one of Allen's most thought-provoking works.

This is one of Allen's most thought-provoking and introspective films. It explores questions of morality and the human condition. Allen asks tough questions about the nature of good and evil the role of religion in society and the meaning of life itself. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Judah is visited by his mistress Dolores (played by Anjelica Huston) at his country house. The tension and emotion between the two characters is palpable, and the dialogue is both witty and profound.

Interestingly the film almost didn't get made due to financial difficulties. Allen had to secure funding from a variety of sources including a Japanese corporation and the French government. But in the end he was able to bring his vision to the screen and create a powerful and memorable work of art.

When "Crimes and Misdemeanors" premiered in 1989 it received widespread critical acclaim. Truly a must-see for fans of Woody Allen, as well as anyone interested in exploring questions of morality and the human experience... it will make you think question and reflect on the choices we make and the consequences they have.

 

Film sheet

  • Director: Woody Allen
  • Year: 1989
  • Cast: Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Anjelica Huston, Jerry Orbach Sam Waterston
  • Awards: Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor - Martin Landau), Golden Globe Awards (Best Supporting Actor - Martin Landau), Cannes Film Festival (Best Director), National Board of Review (Best Film, Best Director Best Supporting Actor - Martin Landau)
 

Film Reviews

  • "Woody Allen's latest offering is a stunning achievement a bold and daring exploration of morality guilt, and the human condition. The film's intricate plot and masterful performances by the cast make it one of the standout movies of the year." - Los Angeles Times
  • "Crimes and Misdemeanors is a sobering and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. Woody Allen has crafted a complex and nuanced story that forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about life and the choices we make." - The Guardian